Category: RPG (Role-playing game, for those of you who are new to this whole “being alive” thing)
Platform(s): Xbox 360*, PC, PS3, Mac OSX
*This is the platform upon which I played this game
Overview: DA:O is an RPG set in medieval-ish times. Your character is either an Elf, Human, or Dwarf, and, in one way or another, you end up being swept up into the Grey Wardens, an ancient order meant to protect your homeland of Ferelden. From what do they protect Ferelden, you ask? Why, they protect it from Darkspawn, evil, nasty creatures from deep inside of the Deep Roads (that’s really deep) in the Dwarven land of Orzammar. You must defeat their leader, the Archdemon, in order to beat the game.
Essentially, you go from zero to hero while picking up companions, making many friends (or enemies, depending on how you play), getting rich, and kickin’ butt.
My Opinion: I love RPGs. Medieval-y RPGs? Even better. So it’s clear that I really love this game.
-Positives: Story is interesting, original, and different with each origin/class. Very replayable. Companions are deep, genuinely interesting to talk to, and fun to “get to know”. Lots of achievements to, well, achieve. Very diverse NPC population, with characters not only hailing from England Ferelden, but France Orlais, Spain Antiva, and Par Vollen. Very detailed character customization (everything from your story to the size of your nostrils is under your control). Looooooooooots of stuff to kill, from Darkspawn to people to creatures to dragons, you’ll be playing “Stabby-Rip-Stab-Stab” throughout most of the game. Battles are fun and interesting to complete while switching to the three other companions in your party. Auto-saves before every major battle (if auto-save is not disabled in the options menu). Extremely funny dialogue options. Fancy-schmancy graphics.
-Negatives: Limited movement (can’t walk through water/swim/go past invisible walls). When the player is disliked by companions, DA:O becomes less interesting. Definitely geared towards men, what with the half-naked women (see Morrigan), which I suppose isn’t a negative if you’re a guy. If so, add it to the positives… SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The ending is a bit sad/disappointing if the player is attached to certain character(s). End spoiler!!!
Review: Dragon Age: Origins earns 4 1/2 stars out of 5.
Buy, Rent, Don’t Bother: Buy it! If the first playthrough isn’t enough for you, start a new origin! I’ve made three characters and I’m still not bored with it.
Category: I don’t know what kind of category this fits into. Puzzle? Casual games? Je ne sais pas. (French lesson of the day: that means “I don’t know”)
Overview: It’s a pretty straightforward game. Released by Atari in 1972, Pong consists of a ball and two paddles. Hit the ball, and it will ricochet off of your paddle and speed towards your opponent’s side. Miss, and your opponent gets a point. The goal: do not let your opponent get more points than you.
Conclusion: C’mon. It’s Pong. You should be able to tell whether or not you want to buy a digitalized version of table tennis (or ping pong, for those of you who like funny-sounding words and/or alliterations with the letter “P”). Of course, it’s a classic, but it gets old really fast.
What, you’re still here? Well, congratulations, because that might actually be a good thing. Ever have that feeling when you see a new video game or something and you think to yourself, “Should I spend my hard-earned moolah on that handy-dandy new [insert item name here]?” Well, I can’t tell you. It’s a matter of opinion, really. I can, however, tell you what I think about the video games that I have played. You can make up your own mind after that, can’t you? I sure hope so.
“So, Erin, what’s your point?”
Well, anonymous internet goer, I’m glad you asked. I’m bored and back in business for whomever may care to learn about such titles as Alan Wake, Dragon Age: Origins and… um, I dunno, Wii Sports, or something. Chances are, if I play it, I’ll write about it. I may throw in something besides video games occasionally. It depends on what I’m up to. Also, I will try not to waste your precious time by reviewing junk like makeup and toothpaste. You’re welcome, America.